Designers

Francesca Zara

One simply cannot imagine BARENA, without FRANCESCA. Ever since she took the reigns of the womenswear collections, a new chapter began. Originally, as a student of languages and literature with a curious mindset, she always was keen on exploring new horizons. After professional stints in New York, Copenhagen and inspirational travels around the world, she eventually found her way home. Her deep love for Veneto and the archipelago, fully drew her in and continues to inspire her on a daily basis. Born in a most creative family, FRANCESCA always was a hard worker, putting everything into what she creates. The highly personal collections embody feelings of origin, siblings and history, but also like to observe the rest of the world. The final arrangement balances history and future, connected in a wonderful contemporary design conversation. From the classic casual blazer, a personal FRANCESCA favourite, to relaxed outerwear, deconstructed dresses and boxy overshirts, the collections have a distinct feel and expression. Her garments that are democratic, elegant and easy to wear. On her downtime, FRANCESCA likes to wander around her traditional country-house whilst slowly taking in the scenery. That is until, a special journey beckons and she finds herself jetting away onto new pastures.

Massimo Pigozzo

Over on the menswear side of things, MASSIMO has been with the BARENA family for over twenty years. As a seasoned menswear designer, he was welcomed into the family business with open arms. Trained extensively as a tailor, expressing himself as a true sartorialist, he aims to bridge contemporary innovation and profound traditional craftsmanship. His work is a reflection of the ‘barena’ and centuries of Veneto artistry. For MASSIMO, it is important to create designs that are simple, understated and easy to wear. Deep fabric research, pattern work and soft tailoring are key to his approach. It is not about reproductions or constant alterations. The collections are path of an ongoing dialogue, one that is sincere and deeply deliberate. For BARENA, respect for life, others and relationships are ever important, as our world is increasingly connected. The menswear collections show this profound love for polite individuality and underplayed expressions. During the calmer weeks in between seasons, MASSIMO likes to read books, listen to music and when he has the chance, he ventures out on his vintage Scandinavian boat, slowly puffing along the lagoon and its Venetian hinterland. During these quiet moments, his active mind schemes his very next sartorial move.